GB Under-20 Men final roster for Euros announced

Image Credit: Ville Vuorenin

Head Coach Krumesh Patel has selected the GB Under-20 men final 12-man roster ahead of the Division B European Championships in Macedonia.

Coach Patel’s side will compete in Skopje, North Macedonia, in a group alongside Austria, Hungary, Luxembourg and Portugal, with the first game against the Austrians tipping off on Friday July 7 at 8pm BST.

The Under-20s is one of the most exciting age groups with it being the players’ final opportunity to represent at junior level before stepping up to senior competition, along with always featuring a number of players already in the US college system.

This year’s group is going to likely be led by James Okonkwo who is transferring after a two years at West Virginia (with a visit scheduled to UNC), Victor Ndoukou (Faroukou) currently on the bench of the Leicester Riders, Rhode Island’s Rory Stewart – who was born in the UK but moved to Canada when he was six, and Zamoku Weluche-Ume who has just committed to George Washington University.

Following a three week preparation period primarily based in Loughborough, they suffered two losses to Finland in exhibitions, the second a heavy 85-48 defeat, where they were led by 11 points from Victor Ndoukou (Faroukou).

“We’re looking forward to the competition in Macedonia,” Patel said.

“The guys have been great in camp – I can’t fault their effort – and the staff have been great, pushing the players but also making sure they are in good spirits and healthy.

“We now look forward to the challenge of Austria in the first game and hope we can start well to build some momentum as we look to progress through the tournament!”

Great Britain Under-20 Men’s Roster

Jeffrey Akintolu – Avon Old Farms (USA)
Faruq Balarabe – Western Canada (CAN)
Joseph Buchanan – Manchester Magic (GBR)
Lane Campbell – Leicester and Loughborough Riders (GBR)
Victor Ndoukou (Faroukou) – Leicester and Loughborough Riders (GBR)
Louis Grante-Halliday – Seattle University (USA)
James Okonkwo – West Virginia (USA)
Dijarn Russell-Walters – Nottingham Hoods (GBR)
Callum Smart – Bristol Flyers (GBR)
Rory Stewart – Rhode Island (USA)
Louie Tucker – Bristol Flyers (GBR)
Zamoku Weluche-Ume – Barking Abbey/London Lions (GBR)

Reserves:

Ceejay Hanson – Cape Breton (CAN)
Josiah Philip – London Lions (GBR)

Staff:

Head Coach: Krumesh Patel
Assistant Coach: Liam Jefferson
Assistant Coach: Christopher Bourne
Physiotherapist: Javid Mirza
Strength and Conditioning Coach: Jordan Godfrey
Team Manager: Ruchae Walton
Media Officer: Kareem Lee

All games will be broadcast exclusively on gbbasketball.tv, with no free-to-air on YouTube.

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